FoMMA Issues Recommendations for Protection of Customary Territories and Forests at Workshop on Understanding Environmental Values and Economic Diversity in Natural Resource Management

Malinau, June 21, 2024. The Working Group ICCAs Indonesia (WGII) and the Kayan Mentarang Indigenous Peoples' Forum (FoMMA) have completed the workshop on Understanding Valuation (Environmental Values) and Economic Diversity in Sustainable Natural Resource Management by Indigenous Peoples in Malinau Regency. This workshop resulted in a number of important recommendations regarding the protection and management of customary territories and forests in Malinau Regency.

"There are three important points of concern, namely, Indigenous Peoples and Customary Territories, Indigenous Peoples and the TNKM Conservation Area, and Indigenous Peoples with PSN/PLTA," said Dolvina Damus, Chair of the Daily Management Board of the Kayan Mentarang Indigenous Peoples' Forum (FoMMA).

On the first point, Dolvina explained, indigenous peoples are committed to protecting, maintaining, and managing their customary territories as a source of life and cultural identity that has been passed down through generations.

This management is carried out through strict customary governance mechanisms, with regulations that maintain the ecosystem functions of forests, water sources, and forest resources as important livelihoods.

"If the forest disappears, then traditional medicines, the tradition of going to the forest (hunting), the habit of eating rattan shoots, agarwood will also disappear. The value of existence becomes a basic principle because it encompasses almost all aspects of life and identity of the community (social, cultural, economic)," said Gat Khateb.

Indigenous peoples agree that the Customary Forest scheme is the best to protect their rights. They emphasize that any forest area status that threatens the rights of indigenous peoples must be removed from Customary Forests.

On the second point, Dolvina explained, indigenous peoples demand a review of the management of Kayan Mentarang National Park (TNKM), which includes Malinau and Nunukan Regencies. They urge that collaborative management with the principle of sharing roles and responsibilities be implemented, accommodating customary rules, and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples.

"Indigenous peoples also urge that TNKM be removed from Customary Forests and renamed Kayan Mentarang Customary Park (TAKM), reflecting our aspirations for more equitable and meaningful forest management," added Dolvina.

The third point highlights the involvement of indigenous peoples in the National Strategic Project (PSN). They state that they have not received sufficient information regarding the benefits and impacts of PSN. Therefore, they urge a meeting with PSN management to obtain the necessary clarification and information.

It is known that currently the living space of the community is threatened by the construction of a hydropower plant as one of the national strategic projects that will operate in Malinau Regency, while the proposal process for their customary forest has not been realized by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry because the proposed customary forest is located within the Kayan Mentarang National Park Area. Collaborative Management, considered a middle ground, has not been effective and again places the community as parties without rights and access to the management of natural resources and customary territories within the TNKM area.

Dolvina also emphasized, indigenous peoples reject relocation as a solution to the impact of PSN because it is considered to eradicate their identity and soul. They emphasize that relocation must consider the traditions, culture, and environmental values inherent in indigenous peoples.

These recommendations are expected to be followed up by relevant parties to ensure that the rights of indigenous peoples are recognized and protected. This workshop reaffirms the commitment of indigenous peoples to defend and fight for their customary territories from external threats.

Therefore, FoMMA and representatives of 11 Indigenous Peoples will follow up on the results of the workshop by holding a hearing (RDP) with Commission 1 of the Malinau Regional House of Representatives to present the above recommendations.

The indigenous peoples' representatives present at this workshop stated that the values held by indigenous peoples reflect their identity and existence. Thus, if these values are lost, it will impact the totality of indigenous peoples' lives. For the Dayak community in particular, the value of existence is closely related to the forest as a living space and the forest becomes an important aspect that is always maintained by indigenous peoples in Malinau.

"If indigenous peoples do not exist, the forest with all its natural wealth will also disappear and be destroyed because there will be no guardians and protectors," concluded Dolvina.